The Chicago Traveler

The old-school barber shop is part of a dying breed, but in Roscoe Village there is a spot that still gives guys the traditional shave and haircut but with today’s style: the Belmont Barbershop.
No frou-frou spa treatments here: just haircuts and shaves. Although the owners are trying to stick with tradition, this barber shop has some modern luxuries that some old-fashioned guys may not be used to. The simply-named business has become a focal point in the neighborhood, where men can come together and talk about things going on in the world, much like the barber shops from back in …read more

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The best place to see live local and indie bands in Chicago, the Empty Bottle is crowded, dirty, smoky, loud… everything you would expect a good rock club to be. And even though it sits right on the corner of its intersection, you may have a hard time finding it. That’s because the Empty Bottle’s sign isn’t easily recognizable from the street, so you’re better off just looking for the faded black awning that declares “Dancing” and “Friendly” over the door.
Once inside, the front room greets you with a few couches, a pinball machine, and a pool table. The venue …read more

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When I was a little kid, I had my own “secret” space where I felt safe and where I thought no one would find me unless I wanted them to. The Hideout is appropriately named; it’s a spot where you can be among friends and listen to great music, and people not in the know will have a heck of a time finding you.
In fact, the first time I was brought here, I was so turned around, there’s no way I would’ve been able to explain to anyone where I was. A couple of young patrons on cell phones stood …read more

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I was brought to Moody’s Pub for the first time last week. I had heard of the place before, and with it being just a few blocks from home, I was looking forward to trying what this historical restaurant had to offer.
Established in 1959, the exterior of Moody’s looked a bit like a ’60s bank, I thought. Once through the heavy wooden door, I had to let my eyes adjust. It was dark in there! I noticed that there were paintings and decorations on the walls, but it was so dark, I couldn’t even make out what they were. There …read more

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